Summer Crafts

I always like to keep my hands busy during long car journeys, so I've started knitting and crocheting while my husband drives the way to our holiday destination. On the way to France last month, I started a (doll size) granny square blanket, which was really fun! During our stay, there were a a few nights where we kept our children ...

We've been staying at my family's beach house on Bainbridge Island this week, where the water is cold and the beaches are rocky. The kids are in heaven! We have all spent the past few days collecting rocks on our beach walks, and today, while Marlow napped, we sat down in the shade to paint them. ...

This past weekend my sister and I sat down to make dreamcatchers. It's a project that both of us have wanted to do for the past few years, and I'm so happy we finally got the chance to do it together. We had so much fun! (I think we're both a little bit obsessed now ...

I totally remember tie-dying as a child -- it was such fashion back then, and I remember how fun and exciting it was. You never really knew what the results were going to be like! So I picked up a packet of fabric dye from the local drugstore (there wasn't much choice -- I used ...

I have a huge soft spot for home mixed cocktails, I mean HUGE! My favourite party trick is being able to mix up something delicious to get the party started. After that, it does not really matter if the stereo breaks down or if there are not enough canapés -- a good cocktail can make ...

We have made it to Ireland and back! Holidays in Northern Europe do mean un-spoilt empty beaches and spectacular scenery. They also mean a lot of rain and the need for creative parents to keep the younger family members occupied. A classic rainy holiday activity: shell-necklace making. I think these have been made by every ...

My daughter's first request when she walks in from her days at pre-school are invariably "May I have a popsicle?" or "May I paint in the backyard?" I can easily distract her first request with a plum or some other lovely summer fruit, but I can rarely stave off her desire to paint (some days ...

I have always wanted to do bubble art, since I saw it here. It is a perfect DIY for this time of the year, it could even be a lot of fun to do outside. We tried last week and it turned out to be such a nice and simple project. With really easy to find ...

Last week on the beach, my kids and I spent quite a while looking for shells (I don't know who enjoyed it more, the kids or I -- it's just so relaxing!!). And yesterday we made some fun, summery necklaces out of them. Look for the shells with a little hole in them, and use ...

We have a bit of a hat obsession in our house -- an obsession which I encourage during these hot, sunny summer months. As the Australians say: Slip, Slop and Slap -- slip on a shirt, slop on some suntan lotion and slap on a hat (do correct me if I have got that one ...